|   Air fork not for light weight rider? (Fox Tallas?) | Mario
May 22, 2003 4:00 AM | | I've seen some negative comments about the new Fox Tallas that would not be well suited (harsh) for riders less than 150 pounds.
In my mind I tought a air fork would be the ideal fork for light riders because you can tweak it with less or more air so that it adapts to the weight of the rider.
This fork is so expensive that I don't want to regret it. I am exactly 150 but I don't really like the fact that I would be very border line with this forks performance. I haven't been able to try it yet aside from pushing it a little in a store on a bike.
Do people have any facts or comments about this? Thanks. |
| It is not so much the "Air" part | Sunny
May 22, 2003 8:41 AM | | as it is the damper of the fork. At least that has been my experience. You really need to ride the fork to see if it is something that you'd notice, given your riding style/terrain. |
| re: Air fork not for light weight rider? (Fox Tallas?) | woodyak
May 22, 2003 12:29 PM | | I weigh 155 lbs. and the fork works great for me. I just got it last week and it is amazing. My old fork was an 02 Fox Float R which was an excellent fork but I really wanted 5 inches up front. The Talas is just as smooth as the 02 with the added benefit of an extra inch and a more linear travel. You can really feel the difference the linear travel makes. I say go for the Talas. Get the R and save $150. Why would you lockout a 5" fork? |
| re: Air fork not for light weight rider? (Fox Tallas?) | mario
May 22, 2003 5:19 PM | | Thanks guys, that is reassuring. I would still like to have a little more explanation of why there are comments about the air Tallas being harsh under a light rider but at least I'm happy to see that some riders like it that much... |
| It is not the air, it is the fork | Maritino
May 23, 2003 6:58 AM | | The Talas apparently has some set up problem which are difficult to solve for people below 160. At least that was my experience. I do not know about other air forks, although I never heard much complains from light riders. The air I use (Z1 SL) works perfectly and I am 145.
Re: linear travel. Just remember that it refers to the "air spring" travel not to the effective fork travel. Nobody can perceive the way the internal spring works because it is not the way the fork does, which depends on the damping.
Arguably the Z1 doppio air is at least as good as the Talas (I would say better in many ways, but let no go there) and there is no claim of "linear air" spring.
Similarly the most advance air shocks on the market, Progressive and Manitou don't even bother discussing the travel characteristiques of the "air spring" because it is not the important part of the damping. |
| re: Air fork not for light weight rider? (Fox Tallas?) | J.S.
May 23, 2003 9:01 AM | | I'm about 195lbs and ride a TALAS RLC. The fork is pretty light and plush. I run it at 100mm since the Truth frame doesn't support it's longer travel modes.
For my given weight, the fork works great. However, those under 150lbs tend to notice a harsh feel at high speeds over bumpy stuff. My guess is that that compression valving is set a bit too slow (even at its fastest setting) for lighter riders. Using a lighter oil weight helps compensate.
As far as linear vs. progressive springs (air or coil) -- this is a preference call. A linear rate spring will consume its travel much more quickly than a progressive version. It will be more plush but much easier to bottom out. A progressive spring is the exact opposite... not as plush over the entire travel range, but much more difficult to bottom out.
How is the TALAS RLC overall? It works great as a light air fork with 3-5" adjustable travel, good lateral stiffness (32mm stanctions help), and a supple feel similar to coil. It isn't for everyone given its steep price, harsh feel for light riders at high speeds, and non-user servicibility (recommended factory service every 18 months).
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